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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Contentment

***Edited***I just got back from my walk with my walking buddy. She shared with me that she wasn't able to sleep last night because of several 'situations' on her mind and she was so unhappy and discontented.....so she recited the scripture that I used in my post today. I immediately got those "Holy Spirit chills" and shared with her about my post. Ain't God good....oh, yes HE is!!!

Philippians 4:10-12 (NLT)

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing, or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

To be contented.....according to Merriam-Webster online dictionary....means the following:

"feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation"

How many of you reading this are truly content with your life? Are you satisfied with your "possessions, status, or situation"?

Let's take it one at a time:

1) Possessions

Are we ever content just to leave "well enough alone"? I'm not sure that I am. I want things painted, or rearranged. I find myself, especially in the past few months, going thru and giving away boxes and boxes of stuff. As I get older, I get so tired of....well....having to deal with so much STUFF!!! I wouldn't mind having a new fridge (for my friends who know me....the "good deal"....turned into "sour grapes"!!!). But, I've decided to wait until this one totally dies.....or starts freezing everything in it besides just from the little drawer down!!!

A new car....well, that might be nice....but mine is still running and isn't giving us any trouble....unless you count that the gas gauge doesn't register correctly....you just have to keep in mind that you have 1/4 tank more than it says you do....at least that's what we hope!!!

But....all in all....I think I'm fairly content with my possessions.

2) Status

Not too sure where to start with this one.

Status....hmmmmm....if it means social status.....then, I don't think I even rank anywhere on that scale!!!

If it means the status of my mind.....I'll have to say that it depends on the day.....or hour....or minute!!!

If it's financial status.....I truly try to leave that up to the Lord.

I think we could make a list a mile long of a lot of different statuses that we could be in.....and possibly not be very content, depending on the situation!!

Which leads us to #3!!!

3) Situation

I think that "status" and "situation" sort of go hand in hand. Our contentment with our "status"....often depends on what "situation" we find ourselves in. For instance.....for whatever reason, in the past few months....I get a bit nervous rather easily. So, I'm often not very content (my status).....if I'm in a situation that can cause too much stress. There are those who are facing surgeries....diseases....loss of job....any number of things that could cause a lot of anxiety in their life.

So....are they content....do they remain calm and carry on, after they've given the situation to God?

Oh, how I wish I could be like the apostle Paul as he wrote in his letter to the church at Corinth. Paul learned how to be content with whatever he had!! That means that he learned to not even fret over the "thorn" in his flesh. We're never told in scripture what ailed Paul....some think it possibly had to do with his eyesight. Whatever it was, Paul considered it something to keep him humble.If I don't feel well....I'm not sure that the first thing that crosses my mind is that maybe it's happening to 'bring me down off my high horse'!!

So....my prayer is that I will learn contentment....no matter what I do....or don't....own.....and whatever my status or situation might be. We all know that those things can change in the blink of an eye!!! What's the little saying....you're either coming out of a problem....in the middle of one now....or fixing to be facing one!!!

4 comments:

Good Morning!Don't you just love the apostle Paul? He wasn't afraid to "tell it like it is (or should be!)! My family has been studying the NT church each evening for the past few months...so we have come to have a new respect for Paul...and how despite every adversity in his life...he put God first. Simply being an example of that...putting God first...to me, is the greatest testimony of all.Have a wonderful day!Blessings,Laura

Thank you for sharing this. Funny how you share this scripure this week. I am having a lemonade party on my front porch this coming Sat. for a few young moms from our church. Just a chance to get away with a few other ladies for some fellowship. Well, my theme has been "When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade" and I have based my theme from the same scriptures you are using today! To me it simply is saying, "Take the obstacles in your life and turn them into opportunities. Thanks for sharing. You are always such a blessing. Be blessed. Cindy

Dear Deb, Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us each week! I really appreciate it so much! It gives me courage to do the same and helps so many! Thanks for your sweet comments while I was away. I do get to read the comments, just not always respond due to using my little Ipod. Can't send email with it and can barely type.

I've missed you!! Great post. I'm so glad the Lord has taught me contentment..but that comes through trials and doing without and not much else. If the Lord takes enough away, you soon learn to live without whatever that was. But there are some things I still struggle with. Time to go meditate on the things you said and the scriptures you mentioned. Thanks!

Isn't it funny how just about the time you think you've given 'it all' the Lord pulls a few strings and you realize...Oh that too! He just keeps working on us. :o)